Journey of the Word

I’m learning some things about myself.

One, I don’t have to dislike Christmas so much. Christmas music isn’t half so bad. Some aspects of the season are somewhat fun and exciting. And, for certain, Christmas can carry much meaning.

Two, I can ride a roller coaster. It’s a purely miserable experience, but I can physically accomplish it.

Three, I assume a lot of things. Or you might say, I live by assumption. Or you might say, I am an assumer. Something like that.

That is, I don’t often think about whether or not something is real. Or true. Or right. I just assume that it is or isn’t.

It must be, that in one blink of an eye, I think, for instance,
“Christmas is a man-made idea – trees make me sneeze – all the carols sound the same – shopping is horrid to begin with – it’s freezing cold outside – gifts and more gifts – a million stereotypical cards – too many sweets – silly ugly sweater parties – it’s craziness – why would anyone like Christmas.”

And so, I merely survive the Christmas season because I approach it with preconceived ideas of how awful it will be. I never consider whether or not it might be a good thing.

Similarly, I stand in line to ride a roller coaster and think,
“I did this once, and I am quite certain I almost died – I will be sick – amusement? thrill? ha! – whoever thought of creating a ride that’s pure misery? – this is supposed to be fun? – no way on earth am I putting myself through this.”

And so, I didn’t ride a roller coaster for almost twenty years, because I assumed that I would hate it because of one bad experience. I automatically said to myself, “Impossible.”

Granted, my assumptions were confirmed in this case, and I learned that I still despise roller coasters. But that’s beside the point.

The Bible is a pretty silent book. It says a lot. And is completely sufficient. Yet much is left unsaid.

Examples: Cars, computers, coffee, Christmas, roller coasters, blogs, etc.

My blink-of-an-eye assumption that I hardly realize I make?

“The Bible doesn’t say . . . so it must be okay.”

Who says so? Just because the Bible doesn’t address an issue means the questionable matter is acceptable? Or not acceptable? Where did that come from?

My preconceived ideas may have just taken me in a shaky direction.

And so, my train of thought currently strives to look something like this:

1. What does the Bible say?
{ . . . always the first question to ask}

2. It doesn’t say anything directly? Then does it say anything indirectly, or possibly pertaining to the issue?
{Be careful here. Context is incredibly important. And general principles can easily be misapplied.}

3. Nothing at all? Or just some fuzzy stuff?
{ . . . at least so far in your journey of knowing the Word and knowing the Lord}

4. Then, keep searching the Scriptures. Pray. Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Read it again. Never just assume that a seemingly “empty page” is most definitely a “yes.” Or a “no.”

Silence does not equal affirmation or endorsement. Nor does it equal disapproval.

If you find an indication in the Word that it does, do tell.

And if you find something about roller coasters, I’d like to know that, too.

[image credit: pixabay.com & journeyoftheword.com]